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Dynamic Hygrothermal Polymeric Membranes

Dynamic Hygrothermal Polymeric Membranes

This series of physical model studies explores the terrain of phase changes between humidity and condensation at the intersection of hydrophilic polymeric material technology. Polyacrylamide hydrogels are embedded within mesh and laser cut mylar membranes, and one iteration incorporates microbore tubing. As humid air passes through the mesh the hydrogels adsorb moisture and expand, resulting in turgid morphological conditions. As humid air passes across the microbore tubing, moisture condenses and flows by capillary action into the hydrogels, which then expand and contract with each phase change. Another iteration incorporates hydrogel within a perforated elastomeric encapsulation to actuate ventilation apertures during moisture sorption. A mesh gel pod is less dynamic but functions as a breathable interior ceiling passively adsorbing moisture from convective buoyancy and stratification.